The biggest question surrounding the Florida State program heading into fall camp is who will win the starting quarterback job.

FSU has been forced to start a freshman quarterback for at least 12 games each of the last two years -- and could again this year -- but now return two very experienced quarterbacks for the 2018 season.

The position battle will be contentious throughout fall camp with three viable options to start.

Francois is expected to be fully healed from his torn patellar tendon in his left knee that he suffered against eventual National Champion Alabama in the opening game of the 2017 season.

He started every game of the 2016 season as a redshirt freshman after beating out redshirt senior Sean Maguire for the job, and went on to win ACC Rookie of the Year in 2016 after throwing for 3,350 yards with 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Francois was able to participate some during spring practice and performed well with what he was able to do, but he wasn't able to participate in the spring game and did very little in the scrimmages.

He did have some off-field issues during the off-season, but FSU head coach Willie Taggart said that he believes in Francois and he hasn't been in trouble since.

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FSU's James Blackman throws the ball during the Garnet and Gold Spring game at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, April 14, 2018.(Photo: Joe Rondone/Democrat)

James Blackman

Sophomore - 6'5 - 176 pounds

Blackman was thrust into the fire when Francois went down against Alabama and performed well for a quarterback that had participated in his first practice in college just over a month before his first college start.

He started the final 12 games of the 2018 season and threw for 2,230 yards with 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

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As expected for a true freshman quarterback, Blackman had his struggles, but did seem to get better at the end of the season.

Blackman took most of the first team reps during spring practice and performed well at time behind a patchwork offensive line.

He went 16-for-32 for 259 yards and one touchdown in the Garnet and Gold Spring Game.

He didn't look great in the game, but he did have to deal with a struggling offensive line with only had one scholarship wide receiver to throw to and nearly the entire starting secondary stacked up against him.

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FSU’s Bailey Hockman looks to throw the ball during the Garnet and Gold Spring Game at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, April 14, 2018. (Photo: Joe Rondone/Democrat)

Bailey Hockman

Redshirt freshman - 6'2 - 200 pounds

Hockman is the dark horse to win the job since he is the only scholarship quarterback without starting experience.

He early enrolled in spring 2017 and looked to be the first in line to replace Francois if something were to happen, but a nagging foot injury kept him from participating in most of fall camp and Blackman passed him.

But he proved in the spring that he belongs in the conversation.

Hockman isn't a great practice player. He struggled some during the regular practices in the spring, but stood out in the scrimmages according to sources within the program.

He went 11-for-22 for 203 yards and a touchdown in the spring game, and looked like the better quarterback that day.

Hockman moves very well -- though not as well as Francois -- and is very smart with the football. He doesn't have the arm strength of the other two quarterbacks, but he throws extremely well on the run.

Blackman may have a slight leg up on Francois because he was able to fully participate in the spring and work in the new Gulf Coast Offense. His experience and throwing ability should have him ahead of Hockman as well.

But both Francois and Hockman will have their chances to impress offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Walt Bell and Taggart, and this position battle will likely go the distance during fall camp.